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With Yanks on artificial turf, Teixeira rests

With Yanks on artificial turf, Teixeira rests

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ST. PETERSBURG -- Mark Teixeira was given a day off Tuesday, but no, it didn't have anything to do with his key error -- the Yankees first baseman's first of the season -- leading to Monday night's 4-3 loss to the Rays.

Tuesday's rest day had been planned for about a week, Teixeira said, and the fact that it happened when it did is just a coincidence.

"Maybe fortunate timing, just to let the boys pick me up today," Teixeira added. "Obviously, [Monday] was disappointing, but maybe a good day for a day off. ... We play plenty of games. That's the beauty of baseball."

Yankees manager Joe Girardi said he had talked to Teixeira about giving the first baseman the day off Sunday, but getting him off his feet -- especially on the artificial turf at Tropicana Field -- was "probably good for him." Teixeira agreed, admitting he's feeling the effects of a long first half and the nerve damage in his vocal cords.

"The first half of the season has been pretty tough; I just haven't really felt myself, obviously with just the physical things going on," Teixeira said. "The good thing is the All-Star break's coming up, and we have four days to kind of recharge the batteries. Hopefully, the second half of the season will be much better, health-wise."

Teixeira is still taking medication for the nerve damage, and that has helped him sleep more and worry less because he knows what's causing his coughing fits.

"This is a baseball season," Teixeira said. "I'm always fatigued during a season, but this first half has been more tough than usual. Like I said -- really looking forward to that All-Star break."